"Yuanen Yehui" paused, looking at Huo Yuhao with surprise, scrutinizing him up and down. Seeing that he remained unfazed, she slightly furrowed her brows.
Her disguise was a level 10 soul tool produced by the Illustrious Virtue Hall, combined with the disguise techniques developed by the Dark Department since its establishment.
It was difficult for those with lower spiritual power than her to detect it unless they made physical contact and delved deep into her soul core.
But that would only give her an opportunity to strike.
She hadn't expected this young man to see through it. What details had he noticed? Or did he know the real Yuanen Yehui?
As she pondered, she spoke:
"A young genius who can inherit the title of Spirit Sovereign is indeed extraordinary. But such words should not be spoken carelessly. If the higher-ups of the Spirit Pagoda were to hear, they might think I intentionally used you as bait. Meeting you was actually just a coincidence."
By the end, she couldn't help but wear a wry smile.
"I originally planned to leave the train at the Star Dou transfer station, but she acted too quickly. That wasn't a good place to make a move either, as there were too many people to protect. I didn't mean to involve you."
Hearing this, Huo Yuhao shook his head slightly, "I understand, Your Excellency. There's no need to apologize."
This person likely had two faces, and he hadn't noticed. One was Yuanen Yehui's male disguise, and the other was Yuanen Yehui's female disguise. Even in the male disguise, she naturally exhibited feminine habits from time to time, which was quite thorough… or perhaps she was originally female?
What truly puzzled him was how easily this person had been captured by the evil soul master, with no unexpected incidents during the process and no protectors around her.
Huo Yuhao could piece together the recent developments.
From Zhenhua being attacked by evil soul masters, to the Spirit Pagoda sending people to protect those with evil spirits, and then to the three of them being captured by evil soul masters, it was clear that the Holy Spirit Cult's activities were frequent, with a subtle focus on those with evil spirits. It was also evident that the Federation had already taken measures.
And it was worth noting that Yuanen Yehui's spirit was the Fallen Angel, a dangerous spirit that could connect with the Demon Plane.
Yet, she had appeared so openly on the soul train, unprotected, and had been captured so easily by the evil soul master. It was hard to believe there wasn't something fishy going on.
That evil soul master must have also found it suspicious, but Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena's presence on the train had partially dispelled his doubts.
Then, Huo Yuhao had drawn the evil soul master's attention, causing him to overlook Yuanen Yehui and shift his focus to Huo Yuhao, worrying about any backup the Spirit Pagoda might have left.
Yuanen Yehui, Huo Yuhao, and Gu Yuena exchanged glances, confirming with their eyes that they were all actors.
...
On the other side, the blood-eyed evil soul master was investigating the nearby situation while contacting her companion through a special soul skill. However, she received an answer that left her dissatisfied.
"Qilin, what do you mean?"
"Handle it alone. The identities of those two Spirit Pagoda members are too sensitive. You are not allowed to bring them into the temporary base."
Hearing this, the blood-eyed evil soul master raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure? One of them possesses the Fallen Angel spirit."
"Even so..."
"Huo Yuhao is the best candidate to inherit the position of the Holy Son!"
"...What did you say?!"
The blood-eyed evil soul master's dark red pupils surged with nearly insane excitement.
"When I made my move, he subconsciously released a gray mist to resist. That surging gray mist... such pure death energy, even my spirit was trembling!"
"With his talent, if he were to integrate those divine fragments, he could also have a chance to become a true god."
"The Spirit Pagoda probably never dreamed that the heir they've carefully nurtured was born to be the Holy Son of our Holy Spirit Cult!"
"He might have some backup left by the Spirit Pagoda's experts, but it's worth the gamble. Send people to support immediately. With the Holy Son's return, our Holy Spirit Cult will prosper!"
The other end of the communication soul tool fell into dead silence.
...
"Yuanen Yehui" looked at Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena, pondering, "You two seem quite confident. Your elders must have left you some backup, but this matter is not something you should be involved in."
Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena had helped divert the evil soul master's attention, but it had also brought them into the Holy Spirit Cult's sights.
Although she knew that the Spirit Pagoda must have prepared some measures for them, she had already been troubled enough recently. She had finally seized this opportunity and didn't want to face any more reprimands from the Spirit Pagoda.
If they acted now, it might be a bit early, but protecting these two children was the top priority.
Hearing this, Gu Yuena frowned and looked at Huo Yuhao with a questioning gaze.
Is this okay?
Huo Yuhao's eyes flickered, and he smiled, "We naturally follow Your Excellency's lead. Your Excellency need not worry about our safety."
In a sense, one of his goals had already been achieved the moment they were captured by the evil soul master.
A wave of spiritual power emanated from Huo Yuhao, letting "Yuanen Yehui" sense it and "understand" their confidence. Her eye twitched.
Damn, this backup is more useful than mine.
She remained silent for a moment, then said:
"This incident was caused by me, and I've dragged you into it. I'll send compensation later. In a moment, you..."
Her words drifted into the air, and the place soon fell into an unusual silence.
The three of them were lost in their own thoughts.
After a brief silence, "Yuanen Yehui's" originally clear voice shifted to a soft, feminine tone: "Evil soul masters are ruthless. Once you fall into their hands, there's no hope of seeing the light of day again."
"I've finally overcome the influence of my spirit and don't want to suffer this torment again. I'm afraid I can't repay the debt of involving you... I'm sorry."
She reached out her hand, intending to end her own life, but at that moment, a fierce wind blew, and her wrist was suddenly gripped tightly by a pale, bone-like hand wrapped in a nauseating blood-red mist.
The three of them immediately showed expressions of tension.
"Willing to switch back to your real voice, it seems you've guessed your fate. With the quality of your Fallen Angel spirit, you could become the Holy Maiden of our Holy Spirit Cult. Why be so resolute?"
The evil soul master's voice whispered intimately into her ear, sending chills down her spine, "I didn't seal your soul power earlier, but it seems that was a mistake."
The blood mist began to spread, attempting to completely seal "Yuanen's" soul power, but halfway through, the evil soul master felt resistance and frowned.
What's going on?
She looked at "Yuanen Yehui" and saw the girl's head lowered, murmuring, "Do you know how much I've been scolded because of you all recently? Your companion retreated after a single strike, barely engaging with me. Let's see if you have the same opportunity!"
At the same time, her right hand moved slightly, as gently as if catching a falling snowflake. Yet, in this seemingly casual motion—
A terrifying surge of soul power erupted, and a black bell appeared. Six black and three red soul rings rose from beneath her feet.
Ripples of light spread out, and a magnificent dark green battle armor instantly covered her body. A mournful wailing echoed around, as if weeping and lamenting.
Three years ago, when she protected the Divine Craftsman Zhenhua, she had gained quite a lot of benefits.
Before the Snow Empress arrived, Zhenhua's last heavenly forging had been for her!
Did they really think that without the Minister, the Dark Department was just a paper tiger?
She, Na Nali, was not inferior to anyone!
"Level 98, Four-Word Battle Armor Master?!"